Humus is beneficial for plant growth because it enhances soil structure, improves moisture retention, and provides essential nutrients.
Here's a breakdown of the key reasons:
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Improves Soil Structure:
- Humus acts like glue, binding soil particles together to create aggregates.
- These aggregates improve soil porosity, allowing for better air circulation and water drainage.
- Loosening the soil makes it easier for roots to penetrate and spread, promoting healthy plant growth.
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Retains Moisture:
- Humus has a high water-holding capacity, acting like a sponge in the soil.
- It absorbs and retains water, making it available to plants during dry periods.
- This reduces the need for frequent watering and helps plants withstand drought conditions.
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Provides Essential Nutrients:
- Humus is a rich source of organic matter, which contains essential nutrients for plant growth, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
- As humus decomposes, these nutrients are released slowly into the soil, providing a sustained supply of nutrients for plants.
- Humus also contains micronutrients, which are important for plant health.
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Increases Microbial Activity:
- Humus provides a food source for beneficial soil microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungi.
- These microorganisms help to break down organic matter and release nutrients into the soil.
- They also improve soil structure and help to suppress plant diseases.
In summary, humus significantly enhances plant growth by improving soil structure, increasing water retention, providing nutrients, and fostering a healthy soil environment.
